Glenmorangie 10 ‘The Original’: My Mom’s Scotch

No matter what I drink, or how my palate evolves, I will always remember Glenmorangie 10 ‘The Original’, because it is my Mom’s scotch, and the first scotch I ever liked. It’s not the best I’ve ever had, nor the most interesting, nor the least expensive. But it’s so steeped in nostalgia I don’t even mind.

When I say Glenmorangie 10 is my Mom’s scotch, I’m not kidding – no matter what she has tasted, be it twice as pricey or highly acclaimed her response is utterly predictable: “It’s not as good as Glenmorangie 10.” There’s just something about it that appeals to her, something that can’t be replaced by any other beverage. Plus, after whetting my teeth on bottom-shelf scotch and rye in my youth, my Mom’s Glenmorangie 10 tasted heavenly. So how does it stack up now?

Glenmorangie 10 Tasting Notes

This scotch is an absolutely classic Highlander. It sits in the glass an elegant, pale gold colour with quick legs. Glenmorangie 10 proudly displays its (relative) youth, eschewing the bath in caramel colouring some scotches opt for.

On the nose, Glenmorangie 10 is a hit of vanilla with a hint of nutmeg. It’s simple without any overpowering alcohol fumes. Unlike its light colour, Glenmorangie 10 has a fairly robust body, feeling pleasantly oily on the tongue. It tastes primarily like a spoonful of honey, spiked with a kick of iodine and that hint of nutmeg on the nose. Much like Auchentoshan 12, another classic Highlander, Glenmorangie 10 is quite pleasant but ultimately overly simple. The finish is medium length, softening into butterscotch and pecans.

What can you say about Glenmorangie 10 that hasn’t been said a thousand times? It’s remarkably drinkable, and a great intro into Single Malts. And, for some like my mother, absolutely untouchable in taste. For me, while not mind-bogglingly good, Glenmorangie 10 is still worth sipping slow.